Sitting around the campfire cooking s’mores is a lot more fun if you’re comfortable. Even the most diehard camper appreciates a cozy camping chair. The right camp chair or stool makes fishing, wildlife photography, and resting after a long hike a lot more enjoyable.

What Is A Camping Chair?

A camping chair is generally a chair that folds up for easy transport. But it could also be a stool or a recliner. In reality, most lawn chairs fit this category. But now there is an entire industry dedicated to creating outdoor furniture and cooking utilities for backpacking, too. As a result, there is a wide variety of portable fabric chairs with a host of useful features like cup holders and carrying bags.

Advantages Of Camping Chairs

Camping chairs have advantages over the run-of-the-mill patio furniture. They are foldable or collapsible for maximum portability. Subsequently, they are lightweight but surprisingly durable.

Where Can Camping Chairs Be Used?

You’re likely to see camping chairs in a variety of settings. Not only will you run into them at campgrounds, but also at sporting events and outdoor concerts. People who fish, star gaze, and photograph nature all enjoy them.

What To Consider When Buying A Camping Chair

When you begin shopping for a camping chair, there are a few things to keep in mind. One is its intended use. Will you want a low to the ground chair for outdoor venues? Or do you prefer a high backed camping chair for relaxing in the mountains? Think about the purpose you have in mind, and it will help you find the right chair.

After you have a purpose in mind, it’s time to look at the structure of the chair and its features.

Frame And Fabric

Consider the durability of the chair by looking at its weight capacity and materials. Some camping chairs have aluminum frames which are naturally resistant to corrosion. They also tend to weigh less than steel frames, which need to be powder-coated to resist rust. A number of camp chairs have collapsible structures that come apart for compact storage.

The fabric matters, too. Most camping chairs are resistant to abrasion, but some have cushioning. Others have mesh panels that improve air circulation to keep you cool. While most can be wiped clean, a few have washable material.

Weight And Size

Weight is of paramount importance to the backpacker, and size isn’t far behind. Basically, anyone who’s packed up a car or an RV also understands how vital it is to save space. But you can rest easy if you’re looking for an ultralight portable camping chair because they exist. And you won’t have to use up all your trunk space to bring along camping chairs, either. Some of them store in an area as small as a loaf of bread and weigh only 2 pounds.

Ease Of Setup

No one wants to lose time setting up furniture when they’re tired. The majority of camp chairs in our review unfold and are ready to use right away. Some will require a little assembly because you’ll need to stretch the fabric over the frame. Those are typically the ultralight backpacking models. Or you might need to adjust the chair’s reclining position. Then you can stretch out and relax.

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Best 10 Camping Chairs Reviewed

1. Coleman Oversized Quad Chair with Cooler

Coleman Camp Chair with 4-Can Cooler | Folding Beach Chair with Built in Drinks Cooler | Portable...
  • Built-in cooler: Keeps up to 4 cans cold and...
  • Hours of comfort: Thanks to fully cushioned seat...
  • Convenient features: Side pockets, mesh cup...
  • Dimensions: 24 inches wide; 18.1 inches high
  • Built to last: Strong steel frame supports up to...

If you love to lounge by the campfire in a comfortable camping chair, you can’t go wrong with this oversized one from Coleman. It’s a handy companion for fly fishing or stargazing. Plus, the spacious design supports up to 325 pounds with a 24-inch seat width. But it only weighs 8 pounds for easy portability.

Why are campers enthusiastic about this best-selling portable camp chair? There are several reasons why. The first may be because it invites you to relax on its cushioned seat and back. The wide armrests adjust in height to help you find the perfect position. Since this is a full-size camping chair, the seat is about 18 inches from the ground. And you can store all your necessities close at hand.

For example, one armrest sports a mesh cup holder. Then the other armrest has a cooler pouch that holds up to four cans. Moreover, from the edge of the seat hangs a side pocket large enough for a cell phone or tablet. Once you settle into the chair, there’s no need to get up again until you’re ready. Can you imagine how convenient this will be?

Next, the polyester material and sturdy metal frame stand up to frequent use. In fact, it comes with a one-year limited warranty. Although it’s sturdy and stable, it folds up in an instant for transport. Furthermore, it comes with a carrying bag that has a strap to sling over your shoulder. When folded, the chair measures about 27 inches long by 7.8 inches in diameter.

In summary, the oversized Coleman Quad chair combines comfort, convenience, and portability. It’s cushioned and cozy for campouts and outdoor events. Besides, you can keep goodies and drinks close at hand.

2. Urban Shop Faux Fur Saucer Chair with Metal Frame

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Urban Lifestyle Faux Fur Saucer Chair, One Size, Black
  • ORIGINAL SAUCER CHAIR DESIGN: Settle into a seat...
  • COMFY AND COZY: Provide a convenient place for...
  • FAUX FUR MATERIAL: Covered in super soft faux fur...
  • FOLDABLE: A foldable steel frame supports up to...
  • DIMENSIONS: This super soft saucer chair measures...

Urban Shop’s saucer chair is an innovative solution to a perennial problem. Typically, portable chairs are not the most comfortable seating. But the saucer chair provides restful support on a foldable metal frame. Once you sink into the round cushion, you won’t want to go back to sitting on lawn chairs.

The saucer chair is also a smart choice for children and teens that are reluctant to leave the comforts of home to enjoy the great outdoors. Bring this chair along to help them enjoy their own space when camping.

The plush faux fur cushion is covered in micro mink fabric. It’s inviting when the weather is cool. Unfortunately, the material is spot clean only. However, it’s available in several colors.

Although the round frame is 32 inches in diameter, the seat itself may be a little too snug for big and tall adults. But it does have a weight capacity of 225 pounds. Additionally, the tubular metal frame won’t tear holes in the floor of your tent.

Altogether the chair and cushion weigh 9 pounds. They arrive ready to use with no assembly required. All you need to do is open the frame to sit down. The safety lock mechanism ensures that the chair remains stable. Then fold the frame to store the chair or pop it in your trunk.

3. ALPS Mountaineering Rendezvous Folding Camp Chair

ALPS Mountaineering Rendezvous Folding Camp Chair Rust
  • Sturdy powder-coated steel frame and TechMesh...
  • Sits low to the ground and allows you to lean back...
  • Conveniently collapses and fits into the included...
  • Perfect chair for beach trips, gathering around...
  • Dimensions: 22" W x 14" D x 24" H, Weight: 6. 8...

The low-profile Rendezvous chair from ALPS Mountaineering is the ideal seat for outdoor concerts. It lets you sit close to the fire in the evening. And it’s a pleasant place to stretch out your legs and relax at the beach.

The powder-coated steel frame and ventilated fabric body support up to 300 pounds. However, the chair itself only weighs 6.8 pounds. It folds down into a 28 x 8-inch carrying bag with a strap, too. While it might not be light enough for backpacking, it’s certainly convenient for camping.

A closer look at the material reveals that it is abrasion-resistant 600D polyester that’s available in three colors. The breathable TechMesh panel in the center of the chair provides good airflow on a hot day. Then, the side braces of the chair are padded in the places where you rest your elbows. Also, the round feet of the chair prevent damage to the floor of a tent.

Since the Rendezvous is a low ground chair, it stands 24 inches tall. It is 22 inches wide with the seat about 8 inches off the ground at the highest point. In other words, it’s compact and portable. This is a chair best suited to campers without limited mobility.

In conclusion, the manufacturer offers a limited lifetime warranty against defects. They’ve been in business for over two decades making mountaineering, camping, and outdoor equipment.

4. Pacific Breeze Lounger - 2 Pack

Pacific Breeze Lounger - 2 Pack, Easy to Carry and All Day Comfort
  • Beach Lounger 2 Pack comes with two loungers and...
  • Fully padded deluxe lounger with adjustable back...
  • Large zipper pocket for personal items and...
  • Lightweight, folding design with steel frame for...
  • Pacific Breeze's customer friendly 1-year limited...

Pacific Breeze makes time at the beach more fun with their two pack of folding loungers. Each deluxe padded lounger has an adjustable backrest plus a zippered pocket and integrated backpack straps for transport.

Traditionally, you had three options for laying on the sand or the grass. The first was to rough it without any ground cover. The second was to throw down a towel or blanket that you constantly have to adjust. And the third was to bring along a lawn chair. But now there is a fourth and better option.

This pair of beach loungers is cushioned to take the soreness out of sitting on the ground. You can open them completely to lie flat or use the straps on the steel frames to create backrests. Therefore, you can sit upright or recline the seatback to almost any angle.

Each lounger measures 74.8 inches long and 21 inches wide. But each one folds down to 27.5 x 21 inches. The steel frame and straps support up to 220 pounds. Moreover, the straps simplify carrying the 6-pound weight.

Admittedly, there is one detail that could be problematic if you don’t have anyone to watch your back. The zippered pocket is on the rear of the chair, so it’s not in view. But it’s large enough to hold a phone, your keys, or sunscreen.

In summary, Pacific Breeze offers free support by email and phone. They also provide a one-year limited warranty.

5. MARCHWAY Lightweight Folding High Back Camping Chair with Headrest

MARCHWAY Lightweight Folding High Back Camping Chair with Headrest, Portable Compact for Outdoor...
  • Ultralight and Compact: Weighs only 3.7 pounds and...
  • Comfy Backrest: Your back can be fully relaxed,...
  • Quick Setup: Foldable aluminum pole with...
  • Extreme Durable: Ripstop 1000D polyester seat...
  • Versatility: Ideal for hunting, motorcycling,...

When you travel light, you don’t need to sacrifice comfort if you bring along the MARCHWAY folding chair. That’s because it only weighs 3.7 pounds, but it has a high back and a headrest. In fact, it supports up to 250 pounds, and it’s big enough for people over 6 feet tall to lean back and relax.

How does the MARCHWAY camping chair manage this level of portability and durability? First of all, it has a structure made of aircraft-grade aluminum alloy. Inside the aluminum poles is shock cord. The cord allows the poles to collapse down for storage. But it also makes for easy setup.

Once you pull the frame out of the included carrying bag, you’ll need to assemble it. Then stretch the fabric over it, and you’re ready to relax. The durable ripstop 1000D polyester has mesh panels that allow air to circulate. This detail also cuts down on the weight. But this is not a bare-bones chair.

For example, the sides have sponge padding where your arms can rest comfortably. Furthermore, there’s a padded headrest. Best of all, the back reclines slightly, so you don’t have to slouch.

When it’s time to pack up, the chair collapses down to 17 x 6.5 inches. There’s even a handy Velcro strap to hold the frame together to slip it in the bag. Also, should there be a problem down the road, the manufacturer offers a lifetime warranty against defects plus a one-month money-back satisfaction guarantee.

6. Cliq Camping Chair - Most Funded Portable Chair in Crowdfunding History. | Bottle Sized Compact Outdoor Chair | Sets up in 5 Seconds | Supports 300lbs | Aircraft Grade Aluminum

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CLIQ Portable Chair - Lightweight Folding Chair for Camping - Supports 300 Lbs - Perfect for Outdoor...
  • Premium and Portable: The Cliq foldable chair is a...
  • Set Up in Seconds: Our ultralight chair is an...
  • Lightweight Comfort: With Cliq’s lightweight...
  • Light, and Durable: With our lawn chair, you can...
  • Useful for anywhere: Whether you’re on your lawn...

Whether you are preparing your meals, reading a book or sharing stories with your friends around the campsite, you don’t want to be seated on wet, hard ground. Therefore, a lightweight, comfortable and portable chair is essential during your camping or backpacking trips. And this is where the Cliq Camping Chair comes in. Sturdy, comfortable and ultra-lightweight, this is one of the best camping chairs for backpacking expeditions.

This chair features anti-slip reinforced feet, thus making it perfect for a wide range of camping conditions. Whether you are camping on snow, sand, or mud, this chair will not sink into the ground. Its frames are made of 7075 aviation quality aluminum, which is anti-corrosion and incredibly sturdy. The oxford fabric used to make this seat is equally sturdy and has a high tear resistant capability. The other components used to make this chair, such as the hard plastic parts are also strong, and well fixed. As much as this seat only weighs 3.5 pounds, it has a loading capacity of 300 pounds. Therefore, if you are looking for a camping chair for big guys, then you should consider this one.

The Cliq Camping Chair also has exceptional breathability. The 1000D fabric and the mesh cloth used to make this seat are quick-drying and highly breathable. Regardless of how long you spend seating on this chair, you will not experience any excessive sweating or other forms of discomfort. Furthermore, it’s equipped with a large side pocket, which you can use to store your phone, among other accessories.

It’s compact, ultra-lightweight and can fit easily into most hiking backpacks. From hiking to backpacking, backcountry fishing to hunting, lounging in your backyard to resting on the beach, this multi-purpose camping chair can be used for a wide range of outdoor activities.

7. TravelChair Slacker Chair Folding Tripod Camp Stool

Travel Chair Slacker Chair for Camping, Black (1389VBK), Rip-Stop polyester, Adjustable Carry Strap...
  • ADVENTURE: Discovering the outdoors is full of fun...
  • COMFORTABLE: Take a load off and relax with our...
  • TRAVEL CHAIR: Life is constantly on the move, and...
  • DURABLE & STABLE: This compact folding chair is...
  • BUILT FOR GOOD: TravelChair is a family-owned US...

TravelChair’s Slacker stool is about the same size as an umbrella but much more useful. Think of all the times you wish you had a place to sit down. If you’d had the Slacker with you, you would’ve been more comfortable.

This folding tripod stool is sturdy enough to support up to 275 pounds. But the steel frame and ripstop fabric only weigh 2.2 pounds. Although it doesn’t come with a storage bag, it does have an adjustable carrying strap. Also, it’s available in a variety of colors.

When the stool is open, it stands 17.5 inches tall. The full dimensions are 12 x 14 x 20 inches. But when it’s folded, it measures 3 x 3 x 24 inches.

TravelChair has been making camping chairs, tables, and stools for over 30 years. The Slacker stool is an excellent example of their attention to detail and durability. The 600D polyester fabric has a double coating of polyurethane backing so that it won’t tear, abrade, or fade in the sunlight. Then, the tubular steel frame is powder-coated to resist corrosion. Finally, the oversized nylon duck-billed feet resist sinking into sand or mud.

8. GCI Outdoor Quick-E-Seat Folding Tripod Field Chair

GCI Outdoor Quick-E-Seat Folding Tripod Field Chair with Backrest
  • Portable outdoor folding stool with backrest for...
  • Tripod chair features padded seat and extra-wide...
  • Unfolding the chair for setup is a snap, and the...
  • Seat height is 17.3 inches; sturdy powder-coated...
  • Chair measures 14.6 x 17.1 x 27.4 inches,...

If you liked the Slacker stool but wished that it had a backrest, check out the Tripod Field Chair from GCI Outdoor. It’s compact and portable to accompany you to all sorts of outdoor events.

This camping chair is a handy companion for field photography and fishing, too. It supports up to 250 pounds and stands 17.3 inches high. But it weighs just 4.4 pounds and collapses down for transport. The folded size is 4.7 x 5.5 x 26.8 inches.

When you examine the chair, you’ll see that it has a padded backrest and seat with a drink holder hanging on the side. There’s no assembly needed to use it. Just unfold it and sit. The full round feet help stop it from sinking into the ground.

Then, when it’s time to go, fold it up and sling it over your shoulder with the included strap. GCI Outdoor sells the chair in multiple colors. Furthermore, they offer a limited lifetime warranty.

9. Sport-Brella Recliner Chair

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Sport-Brella 3-Position Recliner Chair with Removable Umbrella and Footrest,Stainless Steel,...
  • ULTRA COMFORTABLE: The easy to adjust recliner...
  • FULL COVERAGE UMBRELLA UPF 50 plus PROTECTION; The...
  • REFRESHMENTS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS: Built in...
  • LIGHTWEIGHT, STRONG, AND EASY TO STORE: Made of...
  • JUST THE RIGHT FIT: This ultra comfortable,...

The Sport-Brella recliner is the ultimate for outdoor relaxation. They thought of everything you might need to enjoy a sunset on the lake or your child’s next soccer game.

First, the chair reclines to three different positions including sitting upright or laying back for a nap. It includes a detachable footrest to let you stretch out and relax after a long day of hiking.

On the other hand, if you’re catching rays on the beach, it comes with a removable sunshade. The sunshade umbrella provides UPF 50+ protection. Furthermore, it swivels to keep the sun out of your eyes.

After that, there is an insulated pouch plus a cup holder to keep cold drinks close at hand. The additional zippered storage pocket includes a built-in bottle opener, too.

The steel frame of the chair supports up to 250 pounds. And the lightweight material is available in three colors. When folded, the Sport-Brella weighs 13.5 pounds and measures 8 x 8 x 39 inches.

10. Set of 2 Adjustable Zero Gravity Lounge Chair Recliners

Sale
Best Choice Products Set of 2 Adjustable Steel Mesh Zero Gravity Lounge Chair Recliners w/Pillows...
  • LOCKABLE RECLINING SYSTEM: Smoothly glides into an...
  • PORTABLE DESIGN: Lightweight, foldable design...
  • CONVENIENT & DETACHABLE TRAY: Removable tray is...
  • DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Features a high, 250-pound...
  • REMOVABLE, ADJUSTABLE HEADRESTS: Includes a...

Some of the most popular lounge chairs right now are zero gravity recliners. They are designed to relieve back pain with the way they support the body. If you take one of these chairs camping, you can imagine floating weightlessly among the stars as you gaze up at night.

Since there are several brands of zero gravity chairs available, you might want some insight to help you choose the best one. Let’s take a look at this set of two from Best Choice Products.

Although these chairs fold up for transport, each one weighs 16 pounds. But their powder-coated steel frames support up to 250 pounds. Besides that, each chair is 25 inches wide and 61 inches long when fully open.

The Textilene fabric is a blend of polyester and PVC fiber. It’s breathable in hot weather, and it dries quickly if it gets wet, that it won’t fade in sunlight. The material conforms to your body since it’s suspended on a double bungee cord system. What’s more, the rounded tubular frames are sturdy and stable.

Next, the chair lets you set up right or recline back without laying completely flat. But as you recline, the zero gravity design keeps your knees slightly bent. As a result, it takes pressure off your spine and promotes good circulation.

But there are still more appealing features. For one, the ergonomic armrests are comfortable. Also, the included pillow doubles as a lumbar support or a headrest. Finally, the detachable cupholder has space for two drinks plus other small items.

Conclusion

Camping, like hiking, can be a pretty strenuous activity. Walking around in nature all the time makes you feel great, but it can also make you feel exhausted. Even if you're such a sporty guy or gal that you've gotta be on your feet in the great outdoors pretty much all the time, then it's still recommended that you get yourself a great chair for getting a bit of rest every once in a while. You'll be amazed how much better your whole camping experience will become with a good chair to come home to after a multi hour walk in the woods!

About the Author

Hi, I’m Brian Bradshaw. I’m a super duper mega hiking enthusiast, with a love for everything that has to do with outdoors, hiking, gear, footwear and more.

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